The Grenada gazette., 1887-11-05

'the party" SGT as far as my close
front door. where they were met b
an affabie policeman, on duty for til
purpose at five shillings for the jol
who informed them with bated breat
that there was h'infection in tn
'ouse, y and the grinding wheels wcr
all that l heard of my guests for
long while afterward.
| One of them, wishing to combin
kindness and caution, sent me not
of inquiry.
Dear Hannah-How is you
nephewp but please, dear, don't sen,
an answer"
| Tim was dear fellow, and Ibid no
catch the measles. He, too. was com
plimentary and encouraging about my
age and iniirnities. and went so far ~
to wonder if hadn't been rathel
pretty when l was young.
That night, as Ailsie was brushing
my rebellious locks, l ventured on ,
timid inquiry. "Ailsie, DEAR" sale
in wheedling accents, "was ever a,
all nice looking when was youngp'
"When you was what, my deariep"
young, Ailsie-young."
'Well," answered the dear old
thing, poising the brush in the air,
Its so long ago, you see, Miss Han
nah, you can't expect ME to throw my
mem'ry back so far.''
"Ah, don't tease me, Ailsie; really
want to know" l pleaded.
"Well, then, my dear, you was, and
what's more, you are; and that's the
Gospel truth, and many's the one
that thinks Sesame as me-"
Why should l care? and yet did.
1t was not because l was too ugly
then, that Mike had escaped from me.
Other people had at times talked nom
sense to me, when my heart had been
TOO weary to take much heed, and
my sisler-in-law had chidden me
for not responding when the talk
ers had been eligible. All that seemed
long ages ago, and now / was soli-
tary and moderately rich woman, with
a house of my own, and a parrot and
a terrier; and l could be and was of
use to many of my family, whose un-
failing motto was as of old--''she
won't mind;' and no one guessed that
was not ugly. Had they been asked
what my opinion might have been on
the subject they would have, as usual,
believed me Indifferent. If I passed |
rs y good creature" there were but |
few steps to 60 10 arrive at the fool,
nay be. Tins good opinion cheered
ne wonderfully, and I saw him start
or home with thorough regret.
A few days later, the sweeps being
n possession of the drawing room, q
elesram came announcing the arrival
If one OF my nieces for violin lesson
II my house, 'if l did not mind"
iurriedly l had the piano rescued
rom upstairs and carried into my lit
lie front snuggery; and just as it was
'ut in place by the awkward but will
ng helpers we had caught at few
notice, my niece arrived,
nd with her came graceful, lady
Ike girl, whose looks attracted me
realty.
Ruth, this is Aunt Hannah" said
ly niece. You didn't mind, did YOU,
.unt Hannah; we thought you would
OF; and Ruth plays my accompani.
tents so well, We always play to-
ether now." |
l had been SO long away from the
Id home that I had fallen out of the
nowledge of the young peoples
lends; but from Ruth's looks was
lad she should be one of them. who
yer she might be.
The violin master came and the les
III gave me intense pleasure. Rnth's
compartment was perfect; and as
le violin was being carefully wiped
I'D restored to its case l begged her
play me something-any thing
hatever she loved best --Mcndelssohn
u choice, If she would, One after
,other she played my .best-lovcd old
lends. and l turned impatiently when
C footman opened the door and said
a gentleman had called for the young
dy with Miss Grey.
"My uncle said Mith, apologetic-
ly
Pray ask him to come ip," l said;
I'd the next moment Mike stood once
ore before me. H. bowed little shyly,
I'd l. with my back to the window.
ood spell-bound and silent.
Yes, it was Mike-huge, winsome
ike-and must greet him as best /
might.
"Mr. VIVIAN" ! faltcred, Ill had
} idea it was yon."
Two huge strides brought him TO nv 4